We love when our Lightner Museum couples customize elements of their wedding day to show off their personalities. At any wedding, the first dance is one of those special moments that makes a statement about your love and sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Our team is here to provide any and all wedding expertise, and today, we’re bringing you a few of the top first dance wedding songs from weddings at the Lightner Museum.
Make sure to click the play buttons ▶️ below each category to hear clips of each of the songs! Want to listen to the whole list? Check out our first dance Spotify playlist!
GO TO SPOTIFY: Favorite Wedding First Dance Songs by Lightner Museum
Photo: Walls of Jerico
The Classic Love Song
You’ve dreamt of your wedding day for years, down to the smallest detail. You love all things traditional—lace wedding gowns, white roses, multi-tiered wedding cakes, and invitations with perfect calligraphy. You might also have a thing for a James Bond-style suit and a vintage car waiting to whisk you away on your honeymoon.
If this sounds like you, you are the epitome of a classic couple. Personally, we can think of no better way to memorialize the biggest moment of your life than with a timeless classic love song.
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “My One & Only Love” by Louis Armstrong
- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
- “Your Song” by Elton John
- “La Vie En Rose” by Emily Watts
Photo: Stout Studios
The Country Cuties
Does your idea of the perfect date involve a country road and a pickup truck? Are you looking for a first dance song that really tells a story? You’re likely looking for the ideal country song to sway to—a few quiet moments with your new spouse before the gang gets rowdy.
Good news: country music is full of so many romantic melodies that there won’t be a dry eye in the house!
- “Then” by Brad Paisley
- “Amazed” by Lonestar
- “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
- “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett
- “From the Ground Up” by Dan + Shay
- “Heaven” by Kane Brown
- “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
- “The Bones” by Maren Morris
- “I Love the Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery
- “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
Photo: Roxsoull Photography
That Rock and Roll Kind of Love
Not everyone is into a sappy love song. We get it!
Maybe you feel awkward slow dancing in front of hundreds of people. Or maybe slow songs aren’t your thing. Thankfully there are plenty of first dance wedding songs that celebrate love without going over the top on the romance.
If the two of you are more “rock” than “romantic,” choose a song that lets you sing along at the top of your lungs instead.
- “I Believe In a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness
- “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
- “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
- “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
- “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie
- “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure (This is a perfect first dance song for a Friday wedding!)
- “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls
- “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
- “Still Into You” by Paramore
Photo: Dana Goodson Photography
“Soul” Mates
Do you and your love have the kind of deep, passionate connection that you can just feel down to your core? When it comes to music, are you into songs with emotive vocals, a hint of funk, and a whole lot of soul?
If so, an R&B or Soul song might be the perfect choice for a romantic first dance. Smooth rhythms, beautiful lyrics, and plenty of emotion will have everyone around you feeling the love!
- “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
- “Always and Forever” by Luther Vandross
- “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
- “Love” by Musiq Soulchild
- “All Of Me” by John Legend
- “Back At One” by Brian McKnight
- “Beyond” by Leon Bridges
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Lauren Hill
- “Differences” by Ginuwine
Photo: Angelita Esparar Photography
Pop ‘Till You Drop
Are you always on top of the latest trends? You know all about the newest wedding fads (like popsicles and late-night snacks at your wedding reception).
A fun pop love song is probably perfect for you and your sweetie. An added bonus, pop songs are universally loved; we bet your guests will be more than happy to sing along. These are popular first dance songs for a reason!
- “Lover” by Taylor Swift
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
- “Marry Me” by Train
- “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Latch (acoustic)” by Sam Smith
- “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott
- “Love on Top” by Beyonce
- “Forever My Love” by J Balvin and Ed Sheeran
- “You Are In Love” by Taylor Swift
Photo: Bow Tie Photo
The New Romantics
When it comes to music, you and your partner want something unique—something that your guests haven’t heard at a wedding.
We love the idea of choosing a modern or indie first dance song that really shows off your personality!
- “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez
- “Love” by Lana Del Ray
- “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
- “Never Stop” by Safetysuit
- “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie
- “Oh, It Is Love” by Hellogoodbye
- “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
- “The One” by Kodaline
- “First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes
- “Baby I’m Yours” by Arctic Monkeys
- “Love Like This” by Ben Rector
- “Thank You Too!” by My Morning Jacket
Photo: Concept Photography
Set the Tone For Your Big Day
From pop songs to country tunes, there are so many great options out there that would make the perfect first dance song. The most important thing is picking the song that speaks to you and your partner, and tells the story of your love.
Along with your first dance song, your choice of wedding venue helps set the tone for your wedding day. And the Lightner Museum is a romantic location that’s full of luxury, history, and modern flair.
Share your first dance in the historic pool of this architectural masterpiece while your guests look on from the second-floor mezzanine. There’s nothing like it in all of St. Augustine!
Schedule a tour today so we can start planning your wedding!
